Genomic insights into hybridization of reef corals

Hybridization plays a fundamental role in speciation and diversification of plants and animals. Hybridization among highly diverse assemblages of reef corals is well known and widely reported, but the ecological and evolutionary consequences of hybridization among reef corals are only just beginning to become apparent. In this perspective, I introduce introgression and polyploidy in the hybridization (reticulate evolution) of reef corals and then discuss the roles of hybridization in the evolution of Acropora with recent genomic evidence. Finally, I discuss how advances of genomics will facilitate the study of hybridization in reef corals. Together, understanding the genomic basis of reef coral hybridization provides new insights into coral resilience, as well as coral reef biodiversity and conservation.